We drove more than 450 miles, spent more than 10 hours on the road, and did almost everything we wanted to along the way.
Open Window
Making a birthday wish come true
A few days before the big day, my sister—the birthday girl’s mom—invited us to join them. She happened to mention that her daughter was hoping to have “Aunt Rita’s Dip” that day, too.
We are part of the miracle
Jesus can—and will—feed the thousands of people in front of him. He doesn’t need the five loaves and two fish to create a feast for that crowd.
A Key Ingredient
For years, I have turned to my next-door neighbor Kathy for help.
Come, Holy Spirit: A Pentecost Reflection
As an adult, though, I lean hard on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, for courage, and for inspiration.
Sometimes I cook dinner, summer is here, and other miracles (7 Quick Takes)
Summer is my favorite time of year, and I am looking forward to being outside more and enjoying longer, slower days. I love everything about summer.
When children grow up (and the Feast of the Visitation)
The other day, I watched as my son, who was stuck in a challenging situation, stepped forward to advocate for himself—politely and firmly. He was heard without any apparent criticism, the problem was immediately resolved, and the world continued to turn. It took my breath away. But at 15 and 17, he and his brother […]
Scrambled eggs in the car, Confirmation joy, and Wordle losses (7 Quick Takes)
It’s May, which means every now and then we have a night without baseball or a concert or some other commitment. Mostly, though, it’s a mad dash to the finish. Not to wish time away, but summer can start anytime. It’s my absolute favorite time of year.
A Ticket to Pope Leo’s First Papal Audience
Back in early April, Abigail Benjamin submitted a request for tickets to attend a papal audience in May. Not many people were requesting tickets at the time, as a cardinal handled the papal audiences for an ailing Pope Francis. But Abigail felt she and her husband, Jon, should go. They could never have known that […]
The pope is speaking my language
I never thought we would have an American pope, so I had no expectations for how that might different for me, as an American. I had never considered what it would be like to hear a pope talk in English with an American accent.
Who is our new pope, Pope Leo XIV?
What a gift this pope could be—and is—to our Church. What a blessing to have a pope who has so much to bring to this time.
A Grandmother’s Roses
The rain is just what the rosebush needs.